Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Several years ago, a neighbor enthusiastically recommended a book about the dangers of false hope and the power of pessimism. Its message? Lower your expectations, prepare for disappointment and save yourself the trouble of being surprised when things go wrong.

As someone who's spent decades encouraging others to live inspired, I remember listening to him describe the book, seeing the despair in his eyes and thinking: I am never, ever, ever reading that freaking book!

I thought about him, and that book, last Saturday morning in Tucson, Arizona. Let me explain.

Jermaine Wilson went from serving time behind bars to serving his community as mayor of Leavenworth, Kansas. Once caught in a cycle of crime and incarceration, Jermaine transformed his life through faith, forgiveness and a commitment to helping others. Now an author, speaker and founder of Unity in the Community, he reminds others that their past doesn't have to define their future.

Today, Jermaine shares how a powerful moment of forgiveness in prison changed his life, the dreams he pursued while incarcerated, and his unlikely journey from lawbreaker to lawmaker. He also reflects on rebuilding his family, breaking generational cycles and finding purpose in serving the community he once harmed.

My friends, no matter where you've been or what you've been through, your story is still being written. If you need a reminder that it's never too late to change, find forgiveness and build a life of purpose, this conversation is for you.

As a kid, I was terrified of the dark.

I dreaded going into the basement alone, didn't like taking the trash out at night and hated when the lights went out at bedtime. I wanted light! And candidly, I haven't changed that much!

Most of us long for light. We want hope instead of despair, encouragement instead of criticism, and someone to illuminate our way when the path forward seems uncertain. In a world that disagrees on just about everything, we all agree our communities could use more light these days.

That's why I love the story of this month's On Fire For Good honoree, Emily Osweiler. Let me explain.

Josh Schertz is the head men's basketball coach at Saint Louis University, where he's building a program rooted in relationships, resilience and the pursuit of excellence. From his early days as a nationally ranked tennis player to leading successful basketball programs at Lincoln Memorial and Indiana State, Josh has built his career around a simple belief: Great teams are built by bringing out the best in people.

Today, Josh shares how his upbringing shaped his competitive spirit, the lessons he's learned from decades of coaching, and why meaningful relationships are the foundation of lasting success. Sitting down together in Josh's office, we discuss the importance of creating a culture where everyone feels valued, why the pursuit of greatness matters more than the accolades, and how embracing the journey can be just as rewarding as reaching the destination.

My friends, whether you're leading a team, raising a family or simply striving to become the best version of yourself, this conversation will remind you that true success is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by the people we become along the way.

One of the hardest aspects of my dad's battle with Parkinson's wasn't the symptoms most associated with the disease, like shaking or involuntary movements. For Dad, the real agony became rigidity.

As the disease progressed, his muscles tightened and his body became almost frozen.

Although his joy remained and his humor was unmatched, everyday life became impossibly difficult.

I've been thinking a lot about Dad lately. And I've also been thinking about how frequently rigidity can creep into each of our lives. Let me explain.

William Paul Young is the New York Times bestselling author of The Shack, a story that has brought hope to millions worldwide. First with us in 2017 on episode 19, he returns to discuss his latest book Return to the Shack, and the experiences that shaped his understanding of love, faith and forgiveness.

Today, Paul shares his journey through childhood abuse and shame, how vulnerability helped him heal, and the family Christmas gift that became The Shack. We explore his shift toward a faith rooted in unconditional love and the questions about justice, forgiveness and transformation woven into his new book.

My friends, if you've ever felt defined by your past or wondered whether healing is possible, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with encouragement to meet yourself with compassion, extend kindness to others and remember that you are worthy of love.

Ten years ago this month, we turned on a microphone.

It was October 2016. Barack Obama was president, the Cubs were weeks away from winning the World Series, and Stranger Things was the rage. Podcasts, on the other hand, were something some people had heard of, but relatively few listened to regularly.

We didn't launch the Live Inspired Podcast because podcasting was cool (it wasn't!) or profitable (it still isn't!).

We launched because I wanted to better understand what allows some individuals to endure enormous adversity and somehow emerge stronger. I wanted to explore leadership and faith, failure and forgiveness, marriage and parenting, success and suffering. I wanted to better understand what makes a life matter.

So we started asking questions.

And ten years later, we haven't stopped.

Jake Harriman is a former Marine, founder of Nuru International and a leader who has dedicated his life to serving others. After first joining us in 2018, he returns to share his latest mission: helping Americans find common ground through The Brickyard, a veteran-led movement, and his new book, Rescuing the Idea of America.

Today, Jake shares how his childhood in rural West Virginia shaped his heart for service, the combat experiences that inspired his work fighting extreme poverty, and why he's now turning his attention to healing divisions here at home. We explore how listening with curiosity, serving alongside one another and choosing connection can rebuild trust and remind us how much we share.

My friends, if you've felt discouraged by the division around you or wondered whether one person can make a difference, this conversation is for you. Jake offers a hopeful reminder that each of us has something to contribute. You'll leave with practical ways to build stronger relationships, serve your community and take one small step toward the future you want to see.

Math. Running. Swimming. Recalling names. Remembering birthdays. Paying parking tickets. This is a partial list of things I'm terrible at. For a far longer and more comprehensive list, please reach out to my family.

Last week, at an urgent care clinic, I was reminded of one more thing that belongs on that list: Waiting. 

Let me explain.

Laura Wifler is a bestselling author, poet and co-founder of Risen Motherhood who finds beauty in life's mix of brokenness and joy. Her daughter, who has intellectual disabilities, has taught her so much about loving others just as they are and finding joy in the unexpected.

Today, Laura shares how childhood rejection inspired her to help others feel included, how motherhood changed the life she imagined, and how poetry helped her put words to both the beautiful and difficult moments. We talk about finding strength in faith, creating even when we doubt ourselves, and why her son is grateful disability is part of their family.

My friends, if life looks different from what you hoped, this conversation is for you. Laura reminds us that we can carry grief and still experience joy, and that every one of us has something valuable to offer. You'll leave encouraged to give yourself a little grace, help someone feel seen, and notice the beauty right in front of you.

Anniversaries give us permission to do something we rarely allow ourselves to do: Stop racing forward, turn around and look back at the road we've traveled.

They invite us to remember what once seemed impossible, recognize the people who helped make it happen, count blessings we often hurry past, give thanks for all that has been—and imagine with hope all that might still be.

And as the one-year anniversary of the world premiere of Soul On Fire approaches, I want to do exactly that with you. Let me explain.

Wayne Connell is the founder of Invisible Disabilities Association, an organization he launched 30 years ago after watching his wife, Sherri, navigate debilitating illnesses others couldn't see or understand. As her husband and caregiver for 32 years, Wayne has turned that deeply personal experience into a lifelong mission to help others living with invisible disabilities to feel seen, believed, and valued.

Today, Wayne shares what decades of caregiving have taught him about love, why believing someone can be one of the greatest gifts we offer, and how to better support those carrying struggles we cannot see. We also discuss the difference between fixing and simply being present, the assumptions we make about others, and the power of listening.

My friends, if you're carrying an unseen burden or love someone who is, this conversation is for you. You'll be reminded to slow down, listen well and recognize the value in every person you meet.

"Do you still believe in miracles?"

A smattering of hands went up when I asked that question at a leadership conference last week.

Surprised by how few, I tried a different approach.

"How many of you saw the sun rise this morning? How many of you stopped to consider how incredibly unlikely it is that you are here at all? That your heart beats without being reminded. That your eyes capture light and turn it into images. That you can laugh, love, work, walk, and dance through your days"

More hands went up, but still not all of them!

Well, my friends, I am certain miracles still happen.

And Brent Oliver's life is proof. Let me explain.

Ron Johnson helped transform the way the world shops. As the creator of the Apple Store, he worked alongside Steve Jobs to build a welcoming retail experience centered on learning and human connection. Before Apple, he helped make good design accessible at Target, and he later served as CEO of J.C. Penney. In his new book, Shop Different, Ron shares the leadership lessons he gained through extraordinary successes and humbling setbacks.

Today, Ron shares how a childhood love of retail shaped his career, why the Apple Store was designed around relationships rather than transactions, and what his difficult experience at J.C. Penney taught him about listening, humility and moving forward. He also explains why kindness belongs in the boardroom and how focusing on the person in front of us can transform the way we lead, work and live.

My friends, you'll leave this conversation inspired to pursue what you love, strengthen the relationships that matter and measure success by the lives you enrich along the way. Whether you're leading a team, navigating a setback or searching for greater purpose, Ron's journey is a powerful reminder that success and failure are fleeting, but the way we treat others endures.

Reading the headlines, there are plenty of reasons to lose hope for tomorrow and slip into anxiety today. Warring nations. Rising prices. Teetering financial markets. Political upheaval.

And then there are the concerns closer to home. Caring for aging parents or grieving their loss. Wrestling with the difficulties of raising kids or the ache of being unable to have them. Enduring yet another flight delay on a work trip (hits home as I write this!) or the far heavier struggle of being unable to find work.

We all carry something.

So, what are we to do with all this stress, all these conflicts, all these struggles? Let me explain.

Lynda Gratton is a renowned professor at London Business School, a global authority on the future of work and longevity, and the author of 11 books, including her latest, Living the 100-Year Life. For decades, she has explored how longer lives are reshaping the way we learn, work, build relationships and find meaning.

Today, Lynda Gratton shares how her mother and grandmother shaped her steady optimism, why living longer requires curiosity and reinvention, and how we can move beyond the traditional path of education, work and retirement. She invites us to see life as a tapestry woven from our experiences, relationships and choices, with each season offering new possibilities.

My friends, if you've been moving through life on autopilot or wondering what your next chapter could hold, this conversation is for you. You'll leave encouraged to invest in what matters most, remain open to new possibilities and make your longer life not only fuller, but more meaningful.

Years ago, I sat in the back of church and heard a simple challenge:  Say 'yes' to opportunities where your life can be used for good.

At the time, I had no idea where that yes might lead. I never imagined the following day I'd be invited to share my story with a small group of third-grade Girl Scouts. Or that in time, living the 'yes' would grow into a career speaking around the world, lead to books and a movie, or open the door to meeting so many extraordinary people.

I just felt moved by something I heard: Say "yes" to being used for good.

Which is why I love the story of this month's On Fire For Good honoree, Dan Rogers. Let me explain.

Neil Taylor is the founder of Me and My Old Man, a project that helps families preserve the voices and life stories of their aging parents. After losing his dad, Patrick, to dementia just six days before welcoming his son, Neil began recording guided conversations and transforming them into keepsake audiobooks. He has now captured more than 350 hours of stories for 32 families across six countries.   Today, Neil shares the loss that inspired his mission, what hundreds of hours of listening have taught him about the extraordinary stories hidden within ordinary lives, and why preserving a loved one's voice can be even more meaningful than preserving memories. He also reveals how thoughtful questions and genuine listening can deepen our understanding of the people closest to us, bridge generations and even bring comfort amid grief.   My friends, if there is someone you love whose stories you have always meant to ask about, this conversation is for you. You'll leave inspired to slow down, listen more closely and begin asking the questions that can transform everyday conversations into a legacy your family will treasure for generations.

The final day of filming SOUL ON FIRE began before 5 a.m. on Friday. It ended 19 hours later, getting home after midnight.

It was a beautiful, exhausting, unforgettable day.

We filmed some of the most iconic scenes in the movie, including my graduation from St. Louis University and Beth and I's wedding at the Shrine of Saint Joseph.

After countless loops of Sweet Caroline, it eventually went silent. Sean McNamara rose from his director's chair, took off his headset and proclaimed loudly, "That's a wrap!"

After eight years of effort, the movie had been filmed.

Throughout that long day, my phone never stopped buzzing. By the time I went to bed, it had logged 250 text messages.

Then Monday arrived.

I rolled over, looked down at my phone and squinted.

Hmmm. Strange. Zero messages.

By noon there were a total of three.

Two were from Beth reminding me to take the trash out.

The sudden change made me realize something about what truly makes a life meaningful. Let me explain.

Ben Kjar was born with Crouzon syndrome, a rare craniofacial condition, and has endured painful surgeries, relentless bullying and the weight of being underestimated. And yet Ben refused to let others define what was possible for his life. He became Utah Valley University's first NCAA Division I Wrestling All-American, a world champion wrestler and an international motivational speaker whose extraordinary journey is featured in the award-winning documentary STANDOUT: The Ben Kjar Story.

Today, Ben shares how his mother's reminder that he was "born different to make a difference" changed the course of his life, how wrestling helped him turn pain into purpose, and why the challenges we face can become our greatest source of strength. He also reminds us that we may not control what happens to us, but we can always choose whether we live as victims or victors.

My friends, if you have ever felt different, underestimated or discouraged by the obstacles in front of you, this conversation is for you. You'll leave inspired to embrace what makes you unique, meet adversity with courage and recognize that the very thing you once wished you could change may be what allows you to make your greatest difference.

Eleven years ago, I stood in a swimming pool with my arms stretched toward my three-year-old daughter. Grace was learning to swim. She stood on the edge of the pool, blonde hair draped across her face, staring nervously down at the water.

"Come on, Grace. Jump in. I've got you."

She looked away from the water, glanced anxiously at me and said, "Dad, I don't think I can. What if it doesn't work? What if I fail?"

Reasonable questions from a three-year-old standing at the edge of something new.

With a little coaxing and a lot of assurance, Grace finally stopped focusing on what might go wrong. She bent her knees, brushed the bangs away from her face, shut her eyes, pushed off the side…and jumped.

Earlier this month, that little girl began high school.

And as our family enters yet another new season- two kids leaving for college and the younger ones racing toward milestones of their own- I've been thinking again about that pool.

About the ledge. About the hesitation. And especially about the jump.

Because some of the hardest transitions in life aren't about stretching forward; they're about letting go. Let me explain.

Elizabeth Svoboda is an award-winning science journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and Scientific American. In her latest book, The Art of Pacing, she explores how we can meet the demands of today without sacrificing our ability to thrive tomorrow.

Today, Elizabeth shares why so many of us bounce between pushing too hard and pulling away completely, how athletes inspired her to rethink our relationship with effort and rest, and what it means to move through life at a more sustainable pace. We discuss how to recognize the warning signs of burnout, adjust our pace before we crash and make daily choices that support what matters most in the long run.

My friends, if you're tired of feeling like your only options are to keep grinding or give up entirely, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with a healthier way to think about productivity, practical permission to change your pace and a reminder that slowing down at the right moment may be what allows you to keep moving forward.

With summer winding down and our two oldest boys preparing to leave for college, I could feel the familiar pull of time. The family dinners, random conversations and beautiful chaos of having four teenagers under one roof won't last forever.

So, with three boys still home, still available and, somewhat remarkably, still willing to take an adventure with Dad, we did something impractical: We cashed in airline miles, called a friend for help with tickets and booked a last-minute trip to New York City to watch our Cardinals play the Yankees.

Total time in New York: less than 14 hours.

Flights were delayed. Traffic was brutal. The hotel wasn't ready. The weather was stifling. Lines into the stadium were long. The Cardinals won two of three games that series. Naturally, we attended the one they lost.

And as if that weren't painful enough, one of my own children walked out of Yankee Stadium wearing a brand-new Yankees jersey over his Cardinals shirt, sporting a fake New York accent and an enormous smile.

By almost every measure, the trip was imperfect.

And yet, later that night, after gyros in Midtown, ice cream and a long walk back to the hotel, I realized something:

It had been perfect. Let me explain.

Danny Bader is a near-death survivor and bestselling author who inspires others to live with greater joy and purpose. In 1992, a workplace accident sent 8,000 volts through his body, leaving him clinically dead for six minutes. Danny survived, but his friend Bruce did not. Grief and survivor's guilt followed before Danny began to see his second chance as a gift.   Today, Danny shares how he moved from darkness to gratitude, the unexpected encounter that changed his path, and why he believes our next breath may feel automatic but is never guaranteed. We also discuss slowing down, being present and appreciating the ordinary moments we often overlook.   My friends, if you've been going through the motions, this conversation is for you. You'll be inspired to live more fully, love more intentionally and ask: What will I create with the time I have left?

The first time I saw the Rocky Mountains, my dad looked over at me and asked, "What do you think?"

We were standing along the Continental Divide in Colorado, watching the sun set after a 700-mile drive. The sky was glowing. The mountains seemed impossibly large. I was ten years old, had only recently learned to walk again after the fire and was surrounded by my siblings. I took it all in, searched for the most articulate response I could muster and finally said:

"Wow."

Decades later, Beth and I took our kids to Banff, Alberta. On one of our hikes, we stopped at an overlook above a brilliant blue lake. Mountains rose high on every side. The sky was perfectly clear, the water below impossibly blue. It was all so beautiful that it hardly seemed real.

I turned to one of my kids and asked, "What do you think?"

The response? Tune in to hear.

Sandi E. Smith is remarkable proof that our past may shape us, but it does not have to define us. After enduring a nomadic childhood marked by poverty, abuse and unimaginable instability, Sandi put herself through college and law school, eventually rising to lead litigation at Apple. Her memoir, Chosen, recounts her journey from fighting to survive to opening her heart and home to eleven children in need.

Today, Sandi shares how she survived a childhood in which she was locked in a closet, forced to hunt for food and, for a time, left to live alone. She reveals how a chance encounter with a young football player led her family to welcome others into their home, how loving them helped heal wounds from her own childhood and why the people who interrupt our plans may become some of life's greatest gifts.

My friends, Sandi's story is a powerful reminder that we are more than what has happened to us. If you've ever wondered whether your pain can be redeemed, whether your choices truly matter or whether opening your heart could change a life, this conversation is for you.

 

As a child, I spent months in the hospital. The pain was constant and hopelessness sometimes crept in. But one of the things that broke through my fear and isolation was Mom arriving each afternoon with the mail.

Inside those envelopes were drawings, prayers, and handwritten letters from people I had never met. They arrived from across the country and around the world. And although they were sent from different parts of the globe, they all carried the same message: you are not alone.

When a person is struggling, knowing they are not alone and are being lifted up by others can make all the difference.

It did for me.

And it's the same kind of impact I see in one of my newest friends, Lillian O'Donnell. Let me explain.

Coach Jim Johnson is an award-winning high school basketball coach who spent more than 30 years transforming struggling programs into winning teams. Yet of his 428 career victories, he is best known for one unforgettable game when he gave Jason "J-Mac" McElwain, his team manager with autism, the opportunity to step onto the court and realize a dream.

Today, Jim shares how being cut from his college basketball team led him toward his true calling, what 17 straight losses taught him about perseverance, and why the best leaders focus on people before results. He also takes us back to the night J-Mac scored 20 points in just over four minutes and shares what that unforgettable moment taught him about teamwork, kindness and helping others realize their dreams.

My friends, if you're navigating a setback, wondering how to make a difference or simply need a reminder of what's possible when we believe in one another, this conversation is for you.

Somewhere between their first steps, the first day of kindergarten, and their first drive, we parents begin to realize something:

The chapter of raising our children is slowly coming to a close.

And with it come the questions.

Will they make good decisions? Did we prepare them well enough? Will they find their people….and their way?

I quietly wrestled with these questions a couple weeks ago as Beth and I drove our second-born, Patrick, to Lakeland University. You'd think this trip with the second child would be easier or less emotional.

It wasn't. Let me explain.

Kathryn Nicolai is the creator and host of the beloved podcast Nothing Much Happens, where her soothing bedtime stories help millions of adults quiet their minds and find more restful sleep. A former yoga instructor and lifelong storyteller, Kathryn has transformed her childhood practice of creating stories before bed into books, audiobooks, and a comforting community for people seeking peace in a noisy world.

Today, Kathryn shares how storytelling became a sanctuary during her childhood in Flint, Michigan, why the ordinary moments of life are often the most meaningful, and how rest can help us reconnect with ourselves. We also discuss the friend whose final words inspired Kathryn to pursue her dreams, the healing power of feeling safe and seen, and her latest book, On the Street Where You Live.

My friends, if life has felt a little too loud or you need permission to slow down, this conversation is for you. You'll leave encouraged to find joy in the ordinary and to give yourself the rest you need and deserve.

There's a part of our family's story I've never shared before.

Most people know about the fire in 1987. The gasoline explosion that nearly took my life and forever changed our family's story. It's been covered in newspaper articles, a couple of books and even a film.

But there's another fire that most may not know about. Let me explain.

Lana Wilhelm is a nurse, case manager, and caregiver advocate. After her husband suffered a stroke in 2021, Lana found herself on the other side of the healthcare system and discovered how little support exists for those caring for the people they love. Now, as the founder of CarePower Connect and host of the Both Sides of the Bed podcast, she helps caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone.

Today, Lana shares how her husband's stroke transformed their marriage, why caregivers must allow themselves to be vulnerable, and how even the smallest acts of kindness can provide meaningful relief. She opens up about grieving the husband she once knew while learning to love and accept who he is now, and offers practical ways friends, family members, and communities can better support caregivers.

My friends, if you or someone you love is caring for others, walking through an unexpected change, or struggling to ask for help, this conversation is for you. You'll be reminded that vulnerability is a sign of strength, difficult moments can coexist with hope, and none of us are meant to carry life's heaviest burdens alone.

Looking at this old photo of my Grandpa Bob and me, I don't remember anything about the day it was taken. But what I do remember is the man beside me and the countless lessons I learned from him.

When I got a little older, Grandpa Bob would pick me up from work every Tuesday and we'd head to lunch. It was always either Italian or Chinese. Without fail, he'd spill something on his tie, use language that would make General George Patton blush and leave a tip far more than the bill required.

I treasured those Tuesday lunches. I loved his booming laugh, his unwavering faith, and his life stories that seemed to offer exactly the wisdom I needed for whatever season I was walking through.

There was one more thing that always happened. Let me explain.

Paul Anleitner is a cultural theologian, author of Based on a True Story, and President & CEO of Goodmakers, where he helps people understand how culture and the stories we believe shape our search for meaning. Drawing from theology, philosophy, and science, Paul has become a leading voice on navigating today's cultural shifts with hope, wisdom, and purpose.

Today, Paul shares how the stories we embrace influence the way we see ourselves and the world around us, why our culture is moving beyond cynicism and endless deconstruction, and what it looks like to rebuild lives rooted in meaning, truth, and authentic community. Along the way, he explains why so many people feel spiritually and emotionally adrift, how to recognize the stories stealing our hope, and where we can begin finding better ones.

My friends, if you've ever wondered why so many people feel disconnected or found yourself longing for more purpose, hope, and belonging, this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that the foundation is firm, the headwinds may be real, but the best is yet to come.

They'll never make the news.

The most joyful, most faithful, most humble people rarely do.

Instead, the headlines seem to celebrate the loudest voices, the biggest scandals, and the worst of humanity. Last week, though, in a surprising location, I witnessed the kind of story that should make the news. Let me explain.

Brad Ryan is a wildlife veterinarian, conservationist, and bestselling author whose remarkable journey with his grandmother inspired millions. After battling depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts during veterinary school, Brad made one courageous decision: taking his 85-year-old grandmother camping so she could see her first mountain. That trip grew into an eight-year adventure to all 63 U.S. National Parks... and transformed both of their lives.

Today, Brad shares how nature became a place of healing, the surprising lessons he learned from Grandma Joy, and why courage often begins with a simple "yes." Together, we discuss mental health, forgiveness, family, purpose, and the extraordinary impact of choosing connection over isolation.

My friends, if you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or wondered whether your life can change, this conversation is for you. You'll leave inspired to say yes to adventure, invest in the people you love, and trust that even the smallest act of courage can change a life.

Last week, I attended funerals for two men. Two young wives grieving. Two families shattered by losses neither imagined possible.

And amid profound sadness, I witnessed two simple acts of love that reminded me what people need most when life falls apart. Let me explain.

Karen Olson is the founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise, the national nonprofit that has helped more than one million people experiencing homelessness through the support of volunteers across the country. While working as a successful marketing executive in New York City, Karen's life took an unexpected turn when she stopped to share a sandwich with a woman named Millie. That simple act of kindness ultimately inspired Family Promise, a movement that has transformed countless lives.

Today, Karen shares the childhood loss that shaped her heart for people who are hurting, the encounter with Millie that inspired Family Promise, and what she's learned after decades of serving families experiencing homelessness. We talk about why real change starts with seeing the person in front of you, how small acts of compassion can create a ripple effect, and how purpose often finds us when we least expect it. Karen also reflects on the accident that left her in a wheelchair and the perspective she's gained through it.

My friends, if you've been wondering how to make a difference in a world that often feels overwhelming, this conversation is for you. Karen's story is a beautiful reminder that changing someone's life doesn't always begin with a grand plan… sometimes it starts with simply crossing the street.

For the past several summers, each of my four kids has been able to pick one work trip they want to join me on. They look through my speaking schedule, choose the destination, and other than the hour I'm on stage, they decide what we do together.

They call it "The Daddy Trip."

They think it's for them.

Truthfully, it's for me.

It's my excuse to spend focused, one-on-one time with each child before another year slips by.

A couple summers ago, Grace picked a speaking event near Laguna Beach, California. Let me tell you about our trip.

Thais Gibson is a counselor, relationship expert, and founder of The Personal Development School. And yet, before helping others transform their lives, she was a teenager struggling with addiction, anxiety, and the lingering effects of a difficult childhood. Her own healing journey led her to study why we think, feel, and react the way we do, and today she helps people build healthier relationships with themselves and others.

Today, Thais shares how our subconscious mind influences so much of our daily lives, why emotional safety matters more than most of us realize, and what it takes to break free from old patterns. We talk about her battle with addiction, the loneliness so many people are experiencing today, and the simple practices that can help us become more connected, compassionate, and present.

My friends, if you've ever wondered why you keep repeating the same habits, struggling with the same fears, or feeling disconnected from the people you love, this conversation is for you. You'll walk away with practical tools, fresh perspective, and the reminder that no matter where you've been, it's never too late to create a different future.

At a speaking event last week, someone asked me a question I've been asked many times since the release of SOUL ON FIRE:

"What scene from the film moves you the most?"

It's a difficult question because there are so many. Let me explain.

Stephen (Steve) Starring Grant spent decades helping some of the world's biggest brands, including IBM, Prudential, Jaguar, and Burger King, better understand human behavior. But after losing his corporate job during the pandemic and facing a cancer diagnosis, he found himself in an unexpected role: delivering mail through the mountains of Appalachia.

Today, Steve shares the identity crisis that followed losing a career he'd spent decades building, the surprising lessons he learned as a rural mail carrier, and how serving others helped him rediscover purpose. We discuss the dignity of work, the power of community, and why our worth is about far more than what we do for a living.

My friends, if you're facing a setback, navigating change, or wondering what's next, this conversation is for you. You'll leave encouraged to see purpose in unexpected places, embrace life's detours, and remember that your value has never been tied to a title.

A year ago, we gathered as a family around my dad's bed as he took his final breath.

Last week, that same family gathered again. Mom, my five siblings, spouses, children, grandchildren…we all came together not at his house, but at his favorite place to vacation.

Although we had more than two dozen family members on this trip, everywhere we went throughout the week it was also very clear we had something else: an empty chair. Let me explain.

Neil Pasricha is a 10-time New York Times bestselling author, one of the world's leading voices on happiness, and the creator of 1000 Awesome Things, the award-winning blog that has attracted more than 100 million readers. Through his books, research, and storytelling, Neil has inspired millions to find joy, gratitude, and meaning in everyday life.

Today, Neil shares the personal setbacks that changed his life, the heartbreaking season that inspired 1000 Awesome Things, and the lessons he learned from his parents' extraordinary resilience. We discuss why happiness is often hiding in plain sight, how gratitude can reshape our perspective, and the simple daily practices that help us live more intentionally.

My friends, if life feels busy, heavy, or uncertain, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with practical ways to slow down, notice the good around you, and rediscover the joy that's been there all along.

"Why didn't you go to Jack Buck's funeral?"

That was the very first question asked during a Q&A after I spoke in New Jersey last month.

I bought a little time by responding, "Well, not exactly the softball opener I had hoped for!"

The audience laughed awkwardly, I smiled nervously, and then I answered honestly:

"Because I didn't think I belonged there."

Let me explain.

Kevin Clark is an entrepreneur, Emmy Award-winning producer, and co-founder of Blessn, a faith-based social media platform designed to bring more positivity, encouragement, and connection into the digital world. After building a successful career in entertainment, Kevin discovered his greatest purpose was creating businesses and communities that serve others.

Today, Kevin shares how a chance meeting backstage at the Academy Awards led to a lifelong friendship and business partnership, why he shifted his focus from chasing success to creating impact, and what inspired him to launch a social media platform centered on hope instead of outrage. We discuss doom scrolling, the influence of our digital habits, and the role intentional community plays in helping us thrive.

My friends, if you're feeling overwhelmed by negativity or craving more meaningful connection, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with practical ways to be more intentional with your attention and a powerful reminder that goodness is still all around us.

Most of us believe making a difference requires something big.

A big platform. A big title. A big personality. A big story.

Trust me, I understand why.

For much of my life, people have introduced me through the lens of having a big story. They know about the burns, the explosion, the hospital rooms, the visits from celebrities, the comeback story, the Hall of Fame baseball, the Hollywood ending. And while I'm grateful my story has encouraged others, I've learned something important over the years:

It is rarely the brightest lights or biggest personalities that change the world most profoundly. Far more often and far more importantly, it's ordinary people quietly choosing to use whatever gifts they have to lift the lives around them.

That's why I want you to meet Amy McMaken. Let me explain.

Glenn Sturm is an attorney, entrepreneur, photographer, and cancer survivor whose life changed forever after receiving a stage four cancer diagnosis nearly two decades ago. What once was a relentless pursuit of professional success became an invitation to slow down, refocus on what mattered most, and live with greater purpose and gratitude. Through years of treatment, setbacks, and unexpected joy, Glenn has become a passionate advocate for holistic cancer care, meaningful relationships, and finding beauty even in difficult seasons.

Today, Glenn shares how cancer unexpectedly freed him from an exhausting cycle of overwork, why rediscovering photography and chasing solar eclipses reignited his sense of wonder, and the life-changing impact of a strong support system. He opens up about facing fear and grief while continuing to choose hope, curiosity, and joy. Glenn also reflects on the lessons passed down from his family and why he believes our greatest legacy is the love we leave behind.

My friends, if you're walking through uncertainty or trying to remember what truly matters, this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that even in life's hardest seasons, there is still beauty to notice, purpose to pursue, and hope worth holding onto.

While heading to the final speaking event of a very full, very hectic year, I found myself doing what so many of us do this time of year: rushing.

It was a tight connection through a crowded terminal at DFW. As I hurried from one gate to the next, weaving through travelers, rolling suitcases, coffee cups, and glowing phone screens, I happened to glance out the window.

There on the tarmac stood a white hearse beside an arriving plane. Let me explain.

Haley Scott DeMaria is a speaker, author, and former University of Notre Dame swimmer whose life changed forever after surviving a tragic team bus crash that left her temporarily paralyzed. Told she may never walk again, Haley endured years of recovery before ultimately returning to compete for Notre Dame.

Today, Haley shares the heartbreaking aftermath of the 1992 bus crash that claimed the lives of two teammates, the physical and emotional battle to rebuild her life, and the people who carried her through it all. She reflects on grief, survivor's guilt, returning to the pool, and learning how to move forward when life takes an unexpected turn.

My friends, if you or someone you love is walking through disappointment, grief, uncertainty, or a season that feels impossibly heavy, this conversation is for you.